Vacuum system with self-closing and easily disposable bag for dog waste

ABSTRACT

The pick-up of waste, especially dog waste, can be cumbersome, dirty, and impractical in some cases. A portable vacuum with a compostable bag at the front end of the vacuum can take away from the weight, mess, and impracticality. A mechanism for closing the compostable bag without direct touch can add to the hygiene, cleanliness, and ease of the process of picking-up waste.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/768,331, filed Nov. 16, 2018, which application is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The current state of picking-up dog waste involves picking up the waste with dog waste bags or a shovel. The use of a dog waste bag does not always get all of the waste, and the task can be unsettling for some. The shovel method also has flaws as the shovel can have a stench after one use and is not optimized for disposing of the waste.

A vacuum system can allow for the user to pick up the waste efficiently without the unsettling nature of the dog waste bag. Regular vacuums are not well equipped for singular use or for picking-up dog waste. The vacuum would become dirty and have to be cleaned often. Furthermore, vacuum bags and filters are built for multiple uses. A vacuum system with the waste collecting cartridge disposed to the front of the vacuum system can provide for a clean and efficient way of picking-up and disposing of dog waste.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, a device includes a shaft, a first end to said shaft configured to allow a vacuum suction to collect waste into the device, and an open end opposite the first end and connected to said shaft, wherein said open end is configured to be closed through a closing mechanism. In some embodiments, the device is comprised of compostable materials. In some embodiments, the closing mechanism is configured to be attached to a lever that allows the user to actuate the closing mechanism without directly touching the device. In some embodiments, the closing mechanism is a drawstring. In some embodiments, the closing mechanism is sides configured to be clamped shut. In some embodiments, the device further includes clips configured to attach to a vacuum mechanism. In some embodiments, the device is configured to be placed at the front end of a vacuum mechanism.

In some embodiments, a device includes a bag configured to allow a vacuum suction to collect waste into the device, and an open end to said bag, wherein said open end is configured to be closed through a closing mechanism, wherein said device is comprised of compostable materials. In some embodiments, the device is configured for one-time use. In some embodiments, the device further includes a compatible structure configured to lock the device into a vacuum mechanism. In some embodiments, the closing mechanism is a cap. In some embodiments, the closing mechanism is an elastic band. In some embodiments, the closing mechanism is a tapered plug. In some embodiments, the closing mechanism is a spring mechanism.

In some embodiments, a device includes a body including an outer shell, a motorized vacuum, a power source, and a cavity in front of said motorized vacuum configured to hold a disposable bag. In some embodiments, the device further includes a battery. In some embodiments, the device further includes a charger. In some embodiments, the device further includes a power button. In some embodiments, the device further includes a mechanism to close the disposable bag. In some embodiments, the device further includes a trigger located proximate to the power button to activate the mechanism.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of the vacuum from the left.

FIG. 2 depicts one embodiment of the vacuum from the front.

FIG. 3 depicts one embodiment of the vacuum from the right.

FIG. 4 illustrates the interior of one embodiment of the vacuum from the right.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bisection view of one embodiment of the vacuum.

FIG. 6 depicts one embodiment of a compostable cartridge bag.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a closing mechanism including a lever.

FIG. 8 depicts one embodiment of a motor for actuating a closing mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, the system is a vacuum system device configured to pick up solid pet waste (e.g. feces) via a suction mechanism. In some embodiments the vacuum system devices comprises a vacuum bag to contain the solid pet waste, so the user can quickly and hygienically dispose of the solid pet waste. In some embodiments the vacuum bag is made of compostable material so that the removal of pet waste reduces the amount of one-time-use plastic that is used.

In some embodiments, a vacuum system device paired with a disposable bag cartridge is able to intake waste into the disposable bag cartridge to intake the waste without creating a mess. The device can be portable and lightweight to allow for mobile use. In some embodiments, the vacuum system device is configured to hold a disposable bag cartridge. In some preferred embodiments, the vacuum system device is for picking up pet waste for use while taking a pet for a walk or run.

In some embodiments, the vacuum system device includes a power source which powers the vacuum. The power source can be connected to a power button, which can turn the vacuum on or off. In some embodiments, the power button completes the circuit to turn the vacuum on and removes part of the circuit to turn the vacuum off. In some embodiments, the power source is a battery. In some embodiments, the battery is rechargeable. In some embodiments, the device includes a charger that recharges the battery. The charger can be plugged into a power outlet or another external power source. In some embodiments, the circuit inside the device encompasses, the power button as the switch, a battery, a motorized vacuum, a charger, and wires connecting the various parts.

In some embodiments, in front of the vacuum is a channel made of an internal passage and a cavity. In some embodiments, the internal passage is in front of the vacuum, the cavity is in front of the internal passage, and the cavity is configured to receive a disposable bag. In some embodiments, the disposable bag is partly or entirely semi-permeable. The semi-permeable portion of the bag can allow the suction of the vacuum to work through the material while still trapping waste. In some embodiments, the vacuum allows for the intake of waste into the cavity and into the disposable bag. The bag can be semi-permeable to allow the suction of waste without letting the waste to get past the bag.

In some embodiments, the disposable bag cartridge is closeable through a closing mechanism. In some embodiments, the disposable bag cartridge is removable and disposable. In some embodiments, the cartridge is made of compostable material. In some embodiments, the cartridge is intended for one-time use. In some embodiments, the closing mechanism of the cartridge is initiated through a trigger on the vacuum system device. In some embodiments, the trigger moves a lever, which activates the closing mechanism.

In some embodiments, the lever pulls back a protrusion, which has a drawstring loop attached to the protrusion. In this embodiment, the closing mechanism is a drawstring.

In some embodiments, the lever includes teeth which match up with the teeth of a gear. In this embodiment, the gear moves clamps that clamp the cartridge close. In this embodiment, the clamping mechanism is the closing mechanism.

In some embodiments, the vacuum system's bag closing mechanism consists of a support cartridge inside of a compostable drawstring bag that allows air to flow through it and waste to be sucked into the bag/cartridge. A trigger mechanism can pull on the drawstring which closes the bag and allows for easy disposal of the waste.

In some embodiments, the specialized vacuum includes a vacuum connected to an electric motor that allows for the intake of the designated objects and a cartridge bag to collect the intake. In some embodiments, the specialized vacuum further includes a tube to funnel the vacuum's pull and hold the cartridge bag. In some embodiments, an electric motor controls the vacuum. In some embodiments, the specialized vacuum further includes a battery and a charger. The specialized vacuum can include a power switch. In some embodiments, the specialized vacuum includes a trigger to close the cartridge bag.

In some embodiments, the cartridge closes through a spin close. In some embodiments, the cartridge closes by being pinched shut with clamps. The cartridge can be configured to close in a variety of other methods including, but not limited to: adhesive, origami closing on itself, elastic band, drawstring (e.g., single or double sided), separate cap (e.g., an easy to cap tube), tapered plug (e.g., inserted into tube), trigger pushing out, spring, hand assisted nub, or lever. In some embodiments, an electromechanical system is utilized for closing the cartridge. In some embodiments, the electromechanical system has its own circuit. In some embodiments, the electromechanical system is connected to the vacuum circuit. In some embodiments, the electromechanical system is activated by a switch or button. In some embodiments, when the electromechanical system is activated gears are rotated to allow arms to pinch the cartridge into a closed position. In some embodiments, when the electromechanical system is activated gears are rotated to allow a lever sweep across the front collapsing the cartridge to the side. In some embodiments, when the electromechanical system is activated wheels are rotated that pull on the drawstring of the closing mechanism, closing the opening of the cartridge.

In some embodiments, the vacuum system device includes an outer shell. The outer shell can include a handle for ease of carrying. The outer shell can include a hole or a clip to allow the user to attach the device to a leash or some other carrying apparatus.

FIG. 1 depicts a left side view of one embodiment of the vacuum system. In this embodiment, the vacuum system includes a body with a handle and front cavity. In this embodiment, the front cavity is configured to receive a disposable bag to sit in front of the vacuum. In this embodiment, the handle includes a power button (100). The power button (100) can complete the circuit to turn on the vacuum system. The power button can also turn off the vacuum system by removing one portion of the circuit. In this embodiment, the vacuum system includes a trigger (110). In this embodiment, the trigger (110) actuates the closing mechanism of the disposable bag. In some embodiments, pulling the trigger pulls a lever which pulls a drawstring closing the open end of the disposable bag. In some embodiments, pulling the trigger pulls a lever configured with teeth that meet with the teeth of a gear, which connects to fingers that clamp the disposable bag closed. In some embodiments, the trigger actuates other forms of closing mechanisms.

FIG. 2 depicts a frontal view of one embodiment of the vacuum system. In this embodiment, the vacuum system has a vacuum cavity (245) exposing the vacuum suction to the exterior environment. In this embodiment, the vacuum cavity (245) is configured to receive a disposable bag (235). In this embodiment, the vacuum cavity (245) funnels the vacuum suction through the disposable bag (235) to funnel the waste into the disposable bag (235). In this embodiment, the vacuum system includes a protrusion (220) to receive a drawstring loop. In this embodiment, the protrusion is connected to a lever actuated by a trigger. In this embodiment, the protrusion (220) is configured to receive the drawstring loop of the closing mechanism of the disposable bag. In this embodiment, the vacuum system's outer shell can receive the clip of a dog leash or a hook. The hook or clip can be placed in a hole (205) in the handle.

FIG. 3 depicts the right-side view of one embodiment of the vacuum system device. In this embodiment, the outer shell protects the internal components from the outside environment. In this embodiment, the vacuum system includes a trigger (310) to initiate the closing mechanism and a power button (300) to turn on or turn off the vacuum. In this embodiment, the vacuum system device is portable and lightweight to enable the user to take the device on the go (e.g., on a walk or run with a pet). In some embodiments, the device is able to be attached to a leash or another carrying apparatus.

FIG. 4 depicts a right-side view of the internals of one embodiment of the vacuum system device. In this embodiment, the device includes a power button (400), a trigger (410), a leash clip (405), a power source (450), vacuum (455), and a cavity (445). In this embodiment, the power button (400) turns the vacuum on and off. In this embodiment, the trigger (410) initiates the closing mechanism, which closes off the open end of the disposable bag. In this embodiment, the leash clip (405) allows the vacuum system device to be attached to a leash or another carrying apparatus. In this embodiment, the power source (450) is connected to a circuit and supplies power to the vacuum (455). In this embodiment, the vacuum (455) pulls waste into the cavity (445). In some embodiment, the cavity (445) is equipped with a disposable bag. In some embodiments, the disposable bags are compostable, sealable, and easily removable.

FIG. 5 depicts a bisectional view of one embodiment of the vacuum system device. In this embodiment, the device includes a power button (500) to turn the vacuum on and off, and a trigger (510) to initiate the closing mechanism of the disposable bag. In this embodiment, the device has a battery (550) and a charger (530) to charge the rechargeable battery (550). In this embodiment, the battery (550) powers the motorized vacuum (535). In this embodiment, the motorized vacuum (535) creates a suction funneled through the interior path (555) and the cavity (545). In this embodiment, the cavity is configured to receive a disposable bag. In this embodiment, the disposable bag is configured to allow the vacuum (535) to suction exterior objects into the disposable bag. In this embodiment, the device includes a leash clip (505) to allow the device to be hauled on a leash or another apparatus. In this embodiment, the device includes a protrusion (525) to have the disposable bag's closing mechanism string. In this embodiment, when the trigger (510) is pulled, a lever (520) shifts back with the protrusion (525) and closes the disposable bag. In some embodiments, the loop is connected to a draw string. In some embodiments, the string is attached to another closing mechanism.

FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of the disposable bag. In this embodiment, the disposable bag includes a rigid structure (600), a cavity (615) in the rigid structure (600), an internal bag (620) in the cavity (615), a semi-permeable end (610) to the structure (600), an open end (605) to the structure (600), and a string (625) to close off the internal bag (620). In this embodiment, the semi-permeable end (610) allows the vacuum suction to funnel waste into the internal bag (620). In this embodiment, the structure (600) is fitted to the opening of the vacuum system device. In this embodiment, disposable bag is compostable.

FIG. 7 portrays one embodiment of the closing mechanism utilizing a sweeping lever. In this embodiment, the open end (700) of the cartridge is disposed to the end of the vacuum system opening. In this embodiment, the sweeping lever (705) collapses the cartridge to one side, closing the opening. In this embodiment, a rotor or motor (715) controls the sweeping of the lever arm (705). In this embodiment, the motor (715) is stored inside the outer shell (710) of the vacuum system.

FIG. 8 depicts one embodiment of the motor for the closing mechanism. In this embodiment, the motor (800) connects to the internal circuit of the vacuum system. In this embodiment, the motor (800) includes gears (805) and an extending rod (810) that spins when the motor is turned on. In this embodiment, the closing mechanism uses either gears or rods to enable the closing action.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device comprising: a shaft; a first end to said shaft configured to allow a vacuum suction to collect waste into the device; and an open end opposite the first end and connected to said shaft; wherein said open end is configured to be closed through a closing mechanism.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is comprised of compostable materials.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the closing mechanism is configured to be attached to a lever that allows the user to actuate the closing mechanism without directly touching the device.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the closing mechanism is a drawstring.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the closing mechanism is sides configured to be clamped shut.
 6. The device of claim 1, further comprising clips configured to attach to a vacuum mechanism.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured to be placed at the front end of a vacuum mechanism.
 8. A device comprising: a bag configured to allow a vacuum suction to collect waste into the device; and an open end to said bag, wherein said open end is configured to be closed through a closing mechanism; wherein said device is comprised of compostable materials.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the device is configured for one-time use.
 10. The device of claim 8, further comprising a compatible structure configured to lock the device into a vacuum mechanism.
 11. The device of claim 8, wherein the closing mechanism is a cap.
 12. The device of claim 8, wherein the closing mechanism is an elastic band.
 13. The device of claim 8, wherein the closing mechanism is a tapered plug.
 14. The device of claim 8, wherein the closing mechanism is a spring mechanism.
 15. A device comprising: a body comprising: an outer shell; a motorized vacuum; a power source; and a cavity in front of said motorized vacuum configured to hold a disposable bag.
 16. The device of claim 15, further comprising a battery.
 17. The device of claim 16, further comprising a charger.
 18. The device of claim 15, further comprising a power button.
 19. The device of claim 15, further comprising a mechanism to close the disposable bag.
 20. The device of claim 15, further comprising a trigger located proximate to the power button to activate the mechanism. 